Author:
KAUFMAN JOAN,CHARNEY DENNIS
Abstract
Child abuse is associated with markedly elevated rates of major depression (MDD) in child,
adolescent, and adult cohorts. This article reviews preclinical (e.g., animal) studies of the effects
of early stress and studies of the neurobiological correlates of MDD in adults and children, and it
highlights differences in the neurobiological correlates of MDD and stress at various
developmental stages. The preclinical studies demonstrate that stress early in life can alter the
development multiple neurotransmitter systems and promote structural and functional alterations
in brain regions similar to those seen in adults with depression. Preclinical and clinical studies
suggest, however, that long-term neurobiological changes associated with early stress can be
modified by familial/genetic factors, the quality of the subsequent caregiving environment,
and pharmacological interventions. Little is known about how developmental factors interact with
experiences of early stress and these other modifying factors. Moreover, in cases of child
maltreatment, the effects of early abuse are often exacerbated by failures in the child protection
system and repeat out-of-home placements. Given the number of factors that impact on the
long-term outcome of maltreated children, multidisciplinary research efforts are recommended to
address this problem—with foci that span from neurobiology to social policy.
Publisher
Cambridge University Press (CUP)
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health,Developmental and Educational Psychology
Cited by
184 articles.
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